Despite the fact that both entities are able to agree on the regulatory framework regarding intellectual property and financial services, an agreement is still pending with issues relating to the environment. The U.S. has a long-standing history of not being proactive with regard to environmental issues, as was clearly demonstrated through the fact that the U.S. did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

“Mr Barroso said “We agree there is a threat, there is a very serious and global threat. We agree that there is a need to reduce emissions. We agree that we should work together.” But both sides remain split along familiar lines on how quickly developing nations should react, with the EU arguing richer nations need to take the lead before asking poorer states to move and the US refusing to budge until emerging economies like China and India come on board.”

There is a clear bridge between the two approaches to the climate change problem, with the U.S. trying to evade its responsibility, as having the world’s highest emissions levels. Do you agree with the U.S. approach that they will not take action until other significant Asian economies are on board? Do you think that this is merely an excuse to avoid tackling the problem?

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

I don’t think that the U.S. is just trying to avoid taking responsibility for improving the environment and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. I think they have a legitimate complaint with regards to nations such as China being exempt from the treaty. China is the second leading emitter of greenhouse gases and is not bound by any regulations in the protocol. India is another major emitter of gases who is also exempt from the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, the United States is not simply ignoring the fact that they need to clean up the environment. They are in fact in the process of lowering carbon emissions 18% by 2012. I think just because they haven’t signed the protocol doesn’t mean they are trying to avoid any type of responsibility.

I agree with the fact that they are not trying to avoid responsiblity, but I still feel as the strongest nation in the world that they should set an example. Coordinating with the EU has to happen. Hands down. The US has to take a proactive role and set the example. As for countries such as China and India, their emissions have to be curbed sooner versus later. They are able to produce cheaper products because they don’t have the regulations that more advanced and richer countries have. If there were regulations placed on these countries, the production of certain products may become more globally competitive and bring some production back to the US and EU countries. Who knows?

The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the international Framework Convention on Climate Change with the objective of reducing Greenhouse gases that cause climate change. It was agreed on 11 December 1997 at the 3rd Conference of the Parties to the treaty when they met in Kyoto, and entered into force on 16 February 2005.